‘Veganism and parenthood go, however, perfectly together”

9 October 2017

5 min read

Niels Charlier feels as a vegan parent pilloried after several negative messages in the media about the diet. In this opinion, he wants to be a number of things to straighten out: ‘Veganism is not a gezondheidsdieet or extreme ideology. It is an attitude in which one values the life and well-being of all sentient beings.”

In recent months there were several reports in the media that are vegan parents in a negative light placed. Veganism would be a ‘gezondheidshype’ or even ‘extreme ideology’ that is dangerous for babies, mothers and young children, would lead to extreme malnutrition or parents even – imagine – their children to force to drink urine. From a unreasonable stubbornness, they would their children do not give what they deserve: a full and healthy diet. This notice stigmatiseert parents who intentionally choose children vegan to feed.

The experts in these articles prove to be, however, not on scientific studies, to professions, but in a very limited number of anecdotes. While it focuses on some irresponsible or ignorant parents who also happen to be vegan, is there a general connection between veganism and kinderverwaarlozing by malnutrition and deficiencies. Because of this, we are vegan parents, in a bad light compared to family, acquaintances, and the child’s environment (such as school and youth group). By this social stigma, people are also scared that possibly consider to be a step in the vegetable direction.

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Veganism and parenthood is going to do perfectly together

We therefore want a number of things to rectify the situation. Veganism is not a gezondheidsdieet or extreme ideology. It is an attitude in which one values the life and well-being of all sentient beings, and this is also as consistent as possible in the practice turnover. We wish, therefore, also no consumption of animal products. To avoid a lot of suffering and we reduce our carbon footprint quite a bit. This, of course, also during pregnancy and lactation and when we choose which foods we want to offer to our children.

The position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dieteticson this is clear: “Carefully planned vegetarian diets, including complete vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthy, are adequate in nutritional value, and health benefits to provide for the avoidance and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infants, children and adolescents, and for athletes.’

This view is confirmed by scientific studies. In addition, there is also an abundance of scientific evidence that the drastic decrease in the consumption of animal food enormous benefits can bring to the environment and the public health. Our children are all healthy and will come to absolutely nothing shortage. They look good, they also have a normal growth pattern, and their blood levels are actively monitored, just like the pregnant mama’s. For infants a bottle, there are vegetable options that meet all regulatory standards.

The only supplements that are necessary in all cases, vitamin D (as other children), and vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is not animal, but bacterial origin. By the modern, hygienic lifestyle, it is no longer included with plant-based nutrition. For the same reason, the supplement is also to cattle and also have a lot of omnivores be necessary.

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What all vegans have in common is empathy and strength to our conviction to convert them into action. These values we want to pass on to our children

People can from vegetable sources more than sufficient protein, fats, minerals and vitamins. This is perfectly possible with the right information, common sense, and in some cases additional guidance. It is obvious that a lot of information to parents, focused on traditional food, and that should change. When caregivers of vegan parents the outdated advice to animal food to children, sell them to their patients and can have negative consequences. Fortunately, there are also dieticians and doctors with the relevant knowledge. For more information about veganism and plant-based nutrition for all ages, you can always turn to organisations such as EFTA, and Be Vegan.

The vegan kitchen is very wide and evolving quickly. Vegan food can be hip, but also amazing people, and traditional, gourmet, or gourmet. Everywhere in the world, surprise vegan amateur chefs and their guests with meals that sometimes are new, but also sometimes amazingly recognizable – where the animal ingredients were replaced with vegetable, such as notenroom in place of dairy. Also on the market appear more and more plant-based alternatives to the well-known products – such as ice cream – that are at least as good. We also bake cake, pancakes or other delicacies where our children can enjoy.

A vegan diet can be healthy or unhealthy, low-calorie or rich. Vegans, old and young, come in all shapes and sizes. They can be skinny, plump, thick, athletic or muscular. What we all however have in common is empathy and strength to our conviction to convert them into action. These values we want to pass on to our children. That is not hype, but a lasting phenomenon.

Children are the future of this world. It would be a very good thing for them if more people just opted for a higher plant. With the right information, people can see that it really can, and that she is not at all afraid to do.

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